The one is so confident, one could call him brash and cocky. The other is more reflective, considering himself the underdog but welcoming the chance to learn and test himself.
These are only some of the attributes of the two Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes who will be representing Potchefstroom in the Searching for a Scrap competition. It is the same competition Francois Meyer won earlier this year. This competition brings together eight of the top fighters in the country in their respective weight classes. They then get the chance to fight it out for a massive prize and professional contract.
Peace Nguphane and Herman van der Westhuizen are both local fighters. Nguphane finished matric at THS Potchefstroom while Van der Westhuizen is a Gimmies old boy.

Both of them will start their journey for glory on 29 September.
Competing in the Welterweight (70–77kg) division will not be an easy task, as it is a very competitive division.
According to Grant Oliff, Fightstar matchmaker, this season of searching for a scrap is set to be the toughest competition to date.
‘We have athletes from all over South Africa competing,’ he said.
The way the two local lads will be approaching the competition might be different, but both of them will be giving it all in the cage after every fight.

According to Nguphane, who trains under the experienced Kobus Fourie, each fighter had to work their way into the competition and deserve to be there.
‘But to beat me you have to have length, speed, footwork, strength, power and one hell of a gas tank. Then you need to know how to use all those attributes, execute them perfectly or else it won’t work,’ laughed Nguphane.
Van der Westhuizen, who fights out of Coalition Grappling Academy in Bailliepark under Roevan de Beer, has been undefeated for three bouts. He has defeated fellow competitor Donald Mabusela in a previous fight, but he still regards himself as the underdog.
‘I think I have the smaller number of fights out of everyone in the competition. But it is an excellent learning curve for me. I want to learn, being a martial artist is not just about winning, you have to want to learn more every chance you get. I am excited to learn from high-level opponents,’ said Van der Westhuizen.
According to Oliff, both Van der Westhuizen and Nguphane stand a good chance of winning.

‘If they prepare well and are ready they are tough to beat,’ said Oliff.

There is a chance that Van der Westhuizen and Nguphane could face each other in the competition, but both athletes are in agreement that although they are good friends, come fight night its all business.
‘We are friends and used to be training partners. He is a class act. I think it would be the best fight of the tournament,’ said Van der Westhuizen.
Nguphane agrees that it’s strictly business.
‘I don’t see the fight going the distance,’ said Nguphane.
The first round of fights are on 29 September in Pretoria.
Van der Westhuizen will face the hard-hitting British Boloyoang from Durban, while Nguphane will square off against Cedrick Mblala.
This tournament promises to be an explosive one.